The meeting started with Vice Mayor George Zalucki and Councilmembers presenting Mayor Joanne Ribble with the Florida League of Cities “Home Rule Hero Award.” Ribble was honored for her hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2026 Legislative Session. She worked tirelessly throughout session to promote local voices making local choices by sharing insights, local data, and real-world examples that helped inform state lawmakers and elevate the voice of Florida’s cities.
This is the sixth year Ribble has been honored with this award from the Florida League of Cities.
Public comment on non-agenda items: 1 eComment card was placed into the record.
Action Items
Sherrill Lane and Luettich Lane rights of way acquisition
The Village has been working to extend water and sewer to the communities along Broadway Ave West.
Sherrill Lane and Luettich Lane previously were privately owned. The Village recently approved acceptance of Sherrill Lane and Luettich Lane rights of way via a quit claim deed, excluding four parcels. The Village needs to obtain ownership of the remaining right of way parcels to extend water and sewer to the homes along Sherrill Lane and Luettich Lane. The Village received state and federal FEMA grants to accomplish this project.
Council approved this purchase and accepted four quit claim deeds for 30 feet width of right of way across the frontages of 20493 Sherrill Lane, 20499 Sherrill Lane, 20492 Luettich Lane, and 20498 Luettich Lane.
Amendment to BERT Memorandum of Agreement
In April of 2025, the Village entered into an agreement with Collier County, Bonita Springs, and the Trust for Public Lands, to allow for the collaborative sharing of costs associated with examination of and due diligence around the acquisition of the tract of railroad land for the Bonita Estero Rails to Trails (BERT) initiative. This agreement was to expire on June 30, 2026.
Given the timing of finalization of negotiations and the desire of the parties to continue to work collaboratively under the agreement, this amendment allows the agreement’s term to be extended through August 18, 2026, which will coincide with the Bonita referendum vote.
Council approved this amendment to the BERT intergovernmental cooperation agreement.
First reading & public hearing
Ordinance 2026-05 – Annual Capital Improvement Program
The Capital Improvement Program will set funding for the Village Capital Improvement projects for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and provide a plan of priorities for the next 5 years. A summary of the proposed capital expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year is as follows:
| Roadway | $1,840,000 |
| Intersection | $5,300,000 |
| Bicycle & Pedestrian | $300,000 |
| Landscaping & Beautification | $0 |
| Parks & Recreation | $43,640,000 |
| Stormwater | $300,000 |
| Utility | $5,500,000 |
| Land Acquisition | $19,000,000 |
| Total Capital Program | $75,920,000 |
Council passed the first reading of this ordinance and set a second reading for June 17, 2026.
Second reading & public hearing
Zoning Ordinance 2026-04 – Estero Fire District Rezoning
Estero Fire Rescue is requesting to rezone approximately 9.5 acres located on Three Oaks Parkway, just south of Corkscrew Road.
The rezoning will allow construction of a 10,000 square foot storage building and associated parking on the vacant portion of the site. They are also requesting a small (3,000 sq. ft.) expansion of the 16,000 square foot fire station.
Council approved this ordinance.
Workshops
Conservation easement “swap” for West Bay Club
Community Development Director Mary Gibbs led a discussion regarding West Bay Club’s request for the Village to release 2.5 acres from Conservation Area 2 (adjacent to their golf driving range and chipping and putting area) in exchange for the addition of 1.57 acres to Conservation Area 3 and 2.14 acres to Conservation Area 4. To make up for the loss of 2.5 acres, two new areas will be added in other locations in West Bay to total 3.71 acres, a net increase of 1.21 acres.
No voting occurs during workshops.
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2025
Branden Lopez, CPA, CBIZ CPAs P.C., presented that the financial statements have been independently audited for the twelve months ending September 30, 2024. This independent auditor has issued an unmodified (“clean”) opinion on the Village’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025.
The final Annual Comprehensive Financial Report will be presented at the June 17 Council meeting.
Synovus Bond Issue
As part of the Village’s competitive solicitation process, financial institutions were invited to submit financing proposals for approximately $15 million in eligible acquisition costs associated with the purchase of 69.4 acres along Three Oaks Parkway for stormwater management, park, and recreational purposes.
After review of the financing alternatives, staff identified Synovus Bank as the preferred financing provider due to its fully amortizing 20-year structure, fixed-rate financing, ability to prepay at any time without penalty, compatibility with the Village’s banking services relationship, and competitive overall financing costs.
No voting occurs during workshops.
Residents may view the archived meeting by going to the Village website.
The next Council meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2026.